Hi all,
Let’s talk about stories!
Maxwell and Dickman believe that “a story is a fact, wrapped in an emotion that compels us to take an action that transforms our world.”
First, let’s define the term ‘story.’ Stories are an account of events told for entertainment. I think a story tells more than just events, they tell us the speakers emotions as well. Often when a speaker says or writes about an accomplishing moment, they use language to bring their readers the joyous emotions that were felt. I believe Maxwell and Dickman are correct by saying “a story is a fact wrapped in an emotion.” More-so, they believe that a story “compels us to take an action that transforms our world.” This is also true because by feeling the emotions of the author, the reader is engaged to act using these emotions.
A ‘good’ story must include a theme, conflict, and resolution. Every good story needs these three elements. How else would you be a good storyteller if the story doesn’t have some sort of conflict and resolution?!
We see examples of stories like the book ‘Green eggs and Ham’ by Dr. Suess. The theme is ‘trying something new.’ The conflict– Sam-I-am wants his friend to try the Green Eggs and Ham, his friend refuses. The story is resolved where the friend finally tries the Green Eggs and Ham and ends up loving it. We even see the emotion in the story where Sam-I-am is determined to do anything in his power to get his friend to try the food. This emotion, I think, is what made Dr. Suess successful. As we know Dr. Suess failed over and over trying to get his novels published, everyone refused (like Sam’s friend). His relentlessness to get himself published never stopped much like Sam-I-am who did anything and everything to get his friend to try the Green Eggs.
I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did, it was extremely fun to think out loud!
Best Regards,
Isaac Abed